What is TIN?

Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a general term that describes any ID number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to administer tax laws. TIN is required when filing tax returns, withholding certificates for treaty benefits, and other tax-related documents.

Taxpayer identification numbers used by the IRS  include:

• Social Security Number (SSN)  :  This unique ID is given to U.S. citizens and other residents.
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)  :  EINs are used for  business entities , estates, trusts, etc.
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN):  This ID is for individuals who are ineligible for a SSN.
• Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN):  This temporary identification number is issued by the IRS to individuals who are in the process of legally adopting a child.
• Taxpayer Identification Number (PTIN):  The taxpayer must use a valid PTIN on all prepared returns.

What is the purpose of TIN?

As a business owner, it is important for you to have your own TIN and obtain TIN from others for two main reasons:

employment

You may ask for an SSN during the hiring process. SSNs are used to conduct background checks and ensure that job candidates are authorized to work in the U.S. Once a candidate is officially hired, you will   need the new employee's SSN to complete IRS Forms W-2  and  W-4 .

Taxation

Also known as a federal employer identification number (FEIN), the EIN is used to identify your business. Employers must use their EIN to report company income and taxes. If you are a foreign entity, such as a foreign corporation, an EIN is required to claim tax treaty exemptions. A business that needs an EIN at the federal level may also need it at the state level (state EIN).

How do I get a Taxpayer Identification Number?

The steps to obtain a TIN depend on the type of ID required. Additionally, the processing time for a TIN may depend on how you submit your paperwork. Here are some ways to obtain a TIN:

• SSN:  Apply for a Social Security card  by filling out  Form SS-5 and submitting proof of your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or immigration status.
• EIN:  Apply for an EIN by filling out Form SS-4  online  or submitting it by telephone, fax, or mail.
• ITIN: Fill out Form W-7  to obtain an ITIN   . Documents proving resident status and true identity   must be submitted to the IRS or an authorized certification acceptance agent (e.g. college, financial institution, government agency).
•  ATIN: File  Form W-7A for children  who are U.S. citizens or residents. Other children may need an ITIN.
• PTIN:  The IRS   accepts PTIN applications and renewals online and by mail.

How can I find my TIN?

To find a lost TIN, you can contact the issuing agency. You can also easily check your records - TINs appear on tax forms and other official documents as well as online.

For example, you might look up your company's EIN like this:

• Checking your business licenses or permits
• Reviewing your company’s “About Us” or “Legal Information” page
• Calling your bank or accountant/payroll administrator
• Searching the Online Directory for an Active EIN

If you want to know an employee's Social Security number, request that employee to show him or her his or her card or ask your payroll administrator.

What is the difference between EIN, ITIN, SSN, and TIN?

Employers deal with several types of taxpayer ID numbers: their own and those of their employees. The simplest way to remember the difference is that ""tax identification number (TIN)"" is simply a broad term that includes other types of IDs.

Are TIN and EIN the same?

An employer identification number is a  type  of tax identification number. An EIN is used by employers to open a business bank account, apply for a business loan, obtain business licenses and permits, and report or pay federal payroll taxes.

Your business  needs an EIN  if:

• Keep employees
• Operate your business as a corporation or partnership
• File employment, excise, alcohol, tobacco or firearms tax returns
• Do not tax income (other than wages) paid to a non-resident alien
• Adopt the Keogh plan (HR 10 plan)

You also need an EIN if you are involved in the following:

• Trust, estate, IRA, or exempt organization business income
• real estate mortgage investment
• non profit organization
• Farmers cooperatives
• Scheme Administration

There are times when you  might need to get a new EIN  . This happens when corporations turn into partnerships, trusts turn into estates, and other significant events occur.

Are TIN and SSN the same?

The Social Security number is another  type  of tax identification number. This is the TIN most commonly used by individuals and employers to report their employees' annual income to the IRS for their income tax returns.

SSNs are also used by businesses  to verify an employee's identity  . Reasons for verification include:

• Successfully completing the process of submitting accurate annual salary report
• Allowing Social Security to give appropriate credit to the employee's earnings record for future Social Security retirement benefits

Are TIN and ITIN the same?

The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a tax identification number that is similar to the SSN.  According to the IRS  , ITINs are only given to people who are required to have a taxpayer ID but are ineligible to receive an SSN. Nonresident and resident individuals working in the US can apply for an ITIN for themselves, as well as their spouses and dependents.

Can you have more than one TIN?

Yes, you may be given more than one TIN for various reasons. This could be due to a personal event, a business change, or the expiration of a temporary tax ID (such as an ATIN). Here are some examples of when you may have more than one TIN:

New SSN for Individuals/Employees

 Any individual or employee may request a new SSN. This may be due to  identity theft, life-threatening situations, religious or cultural objections to specific numbers, and other reasons specified by the SSA .

New EINs for businesses

If you are an employer and have multiple businesses, you may have more than one EIN. If you have only one business, you may need to apply for a new number if the ownership or structure of your company has changed.

Since different situations depend on your status as an employer (e.g. sole proprietor, corporation, partnership, LLC), we  encourage you to look at the IRS guidelines for  obtaining a new EIN .